3.6

Lee Copenhaver

Music - Grand Valley State University

3.6
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
100%
Would Retake
87
Reviews
3.6
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
3.8
Helpful
3.6
Clarity

100%

Would Retake

87

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

45

4

10

3

13

2

13

1

6

What Students Say

He cooks me dinner but not during class

MUS330 - 5.0 rating

I can't believe this man still has a job

THEORY - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

71% confidence
Based on 7 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
B+ (2)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 8 reported grades
A: 3
B+: 2
A+: 1
Not sure yet: 1
Common Tags
Respected (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
Tough Grader (1)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.07 avg change
Dec
Jan
Oct
Apr
Dec
Feb
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MUS129

5.0

(1)

MUSICTHEO

5.0

(1)

MUSMANY

5.0

(1)

THEORYSIG

5.0

(1)

THEORYSS

5.0

(1)
+32 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SIGHTSING

5.0

MUS335

5.0

MUSIC

5.0

MUS130131

5.0

MUSALOT

5.0

Reviews (87)
2.0
5.0
SIGHTSING
Oct 22, 1999

terrible grader. takes lowest of two grades for final grade. Terrible class!

5.0
1.0
MUS129
Oct 26, 1999

best class I ever took! he is fun and very intelligent

5.0
3.0
MUS131
Nov 23, 1999

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MUSICTHEO
Dec 28, 1999

Excellent prof. challenges studentsw to work at his pace and sets high standard

2.0
4.0
MUS131
Oct 15, 2000

This professor failed me because my music was too difficult.

2.0
4.0
MUS133
Nov 3, 2000

He is very biased, giving good grades to students he likes, and failing others.

5.0
3.0
MUSMANY
Nov 16, 2000

great guy, loved his classes, made me work hard, lessons clear

5.0
4.0
MUS131
Dec 9, 2000

Best teacher in the Music department.

4.0
4.0
THEORYEV
Jan 22, 2001

Wonderful professor. Very witty and intelligent.

3.0
3.0
MUS131
Apr 20, 2001

Can be very critical and favoritive

4.0
3.0
THEORYSI
May 21, 2001

I will never forget the major/minor tune

2.0
5.0
MUS133
Oct 18, 2001

when u have one teacher for theory and him for sight singing, he's VERY dificult

2.0
4.0
MUS133
Oct 18, 2001

I cant hear modes for Jack, and he doesnt make me feel like I can ask for help

3.0
4.0
MUS1303
Nov 1, 2001

forgot that he is teaching theory 1, not 4 -not easy to approach w/ problems

3.0
3.0
MUS133
Nov 1, 2001

No Comments

3.0
5.0
MUS335
Nov 2, 2001

Gives huge assignments without considering the lack of lab space and our time.

5.0
4.0
THEORYSIG
Dec 26, 2001

How can anyone say Dr. C teaches useless info? He takes music to another level!

3.0
5.0
MUS133
Grade: A+
Jan 8, 2002

No Comments

1.0
5.0
MUS130
Mar 14, 2002

he made me hate my major he has no love for any music pther than what he likes.

2.0
5.0
MUS130
Apr 2, 2002

Can't approach for help; would fall asleep more if not for the corny jokes.

5.0
3.0
MUS130
Apr 3, 2002

No Comments

4.0
4.0
MUS495
Grade: B+
Apr 11, 2002

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MUS131
May 9, 2002

Great Prof! Thank you for weeding out the musically inept.

4.0
4.0
MUS13113
May 16, 2002

Excellent prof, a lot (!) of work, but I learned a ton & appreciate music more!

5.0
4.0
THEORYSS
Jul 26, 2002

One of the best teachers I have ever had. Work hard because it's worth it!

3.0
4.0
MUS130
Jul 28, 2002

understands that it's hard and knows when someone is really dedicated

1.0
5.0
MUS130
Aug 8, 2002

My hell would be having to take his class for all eternity.

5.0
4.0
MUS
Aug 16, 2002

Dr.C is a music God. Don't be intimidated by him, he is very approachable.

4.0
4.0
SS
Nov 27, 2002

Good teacher. He will help you if you ask! Don't be afraid!

5.0
5.0
MUS130
Dec 5, 2002

Very tough class, and he is hard to aproach.If you he;ll help as much as he can.

5.0
5.0
MUSIC
Dec 5, 2002

demi god. Knows his stuff well. If you can't stand the heat, get a new major.

5.0
4.0
MUS13013
Dec 24, 2002

AWESOME prof...very helpful if you ask, witty, grades on effort

4.0
3.0
MUS131
Feb 27, 2003

Funny, FRESH prof! Knows his stuff. Don't be afraid of him, he won't bite!

5.0
4.0
MUS134
Mar 20, 2003

No Comments

4.0
4.0
131134
Mar 20, 2003

No Comments

5.0
5.0
131134
Mar 20, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MUS131
Mar 26, 2003

He is amazing, if your serious about music you will have learned tons by the end of the year. he is the master, and hes hilarious!

5.0
2.0
MUS131
Mar 28, 2003

If you're willing to work and you truly want to succeed it WILL show and he will appreciate that and be willing to help you as much as you need. His sense of humor cracks me up in the morning : )

5.0
4.0
MUS131
Apr 15, 2003

Why isn't this guy hot yet? Ever seen him in his white suit? Dr. Copenhaver is an awesome teacher, and if you get abused by him it is because you deserve it. GO AND TALK TO HIM!

5.0
3.0
TOOMANY
Apr 20, 2003

A day just can't be right without a dose of Copey's humor. Absolutely wonderful, witty and yes, a demi god. Don't know how I would've survived the year w/o this man! CrAzY, isn't it?!

3.0
4.0
MUS134
Apr 22, 2003

i failed the class and i know more than my friend who is in 4th semester sight singing at another college. It's tough, and it weeds you out if you can't cut it, but twice around isn't necessarily a bad thing.

5.0
5.0
MUS130131
Jun 16, 2003

Moves fast. . . don't miss class. Shows incredible enthusiasm and passion for music, which is contagious. Great prof. Thanks.

5.0
4.0
MUS130
Jul 6, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
THEORYAP
Jul 19, 2003

Dr.Copenhaver is awesome! He is tough, but i learned sooo much from him, and he is always willing to help. He only wants the best for his students. And i love his sense of humor!

5.0
5.0
MUSALOT
Nov 10, 2003

Best teacher I've ever had. Seriously.

4.0
3.0
MUS130
Dec 17, 2003

Show up to class every day on time.

5.0
4.0
MUS131
Apr 11, 2004

good class, you'll learn a lot in music theory and aural perception, i'm not going to lie though, it's tough, and i'm taking it all over again, but i still recommend it. He's a good teacher and is always available to help.

5.0
3.0
THEORYAP
Apr 18, 2004

Makes class fun. has interesting tricks to remember things. Got a D in ap with another prof, got an A from him. Did well in theory, too. He helps you LEARN it unlike others who expect who to teach yourself.

5.0
4.0
THEORY
Jun 15, 2004

Dr. C is a great!!!! You will learn so much about theory. He is tough - but it is worth it. You actually learn when you are in that class!!

2.0
5.0
MUS130
Jun 26, 2004

You either like him or hate him. Knows his stuff. Can be a real jerk when he's in the mood. Penalty if you're not a good singer. Not worth the bother. Don't take him if you're unsure about a major in music, he'll turn you off the idea instantly.

4.0
4.0
MU130
Aug 5, 2004

Dr. C is hardest on those he thinks has potential but try to just coast through his class. He can be a real jerk if you make yourself a target.

2.0
5.0
MUS131
Aug 23, 2004

After taking a class with him, you will want to change your mind about majoring in music. He will single out a few and make a specticle of them. If you're one of these people, just throw in the towel and leave the music program.

1.0
5.0
MUS130131
Aug 28, 2004

He has a good understanding of his field, but doesn't know how to portray information to his students. His class is VERY difficult to follow and very unorganized. You will be lost the whole entire year, unless your theory skills are well developed.

5.0
5.0
MUS133
Sep 20, 2004

I SUCK at sight singing...but Prof. C is AWESOME! He's the only reason I even midly enjoy that class! His sense of humor keeps the class engaged and laughing, even though most of us music (instrumental) majors can't sing AT ALL! Wish he still taught theor

2.0
5.0
YES
Oct 16, 2004

Dr C makes a much better department chair than professor. He should still teach all the freshman Aural classes though. If we had to live through that THEY should have to live through it!

2.0
5.0
THEORY
Nov 19, 2004

This professor acts like he wants to help you but lacks the ability to do so. He should not be a professor; he is just ill suited to the job. Also his attitude can make everyone miserable. If you are considering taking one of his classes, run! Or better yet, just transfer to another university!

1.0
4.0
THEORY
Jan 10, 2005

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! I can't believe this man still has a job. The things he was trying to teach to first year theory students were so out there and superfluous it was unbelievable. A phony. Never, ever take one of his classes unless you enjoy being in a state of confusion, frustration, and misery.

2.0
4.0
MUS128
Jun 16, 2005

This professor doesn't understand that there are people out there that aren't music majors. He trys to teach to people as if they were in his theory class, someone needs to tell him that this class is a gen.ed. Plus he is a jerk to anyyone who doesn't catch on to what he is saying. Don't take this class with him!

1.0
5.0
MUS128
Aug 8, 2005

This professor constantly belittles his students and is not very helpful. I'm sorry I took his class.

5.0
5.0
MUS131
Grade: A
Aug 12, 2005

Dr. C. is a great music teacher; he'll really make you understand why you even want to be a musician, and give a good idea of what it takes to become one. He's tough, but he has to be.

5.0
4.0
THEORYANDAP
Sep 2, 2005

Dr. C is an amazing teacher. He really knows his subject, and his love for it is completely contagious. If you have an open mind, and ask for help when you need it, you will have no problem in his class. Don't slack off. Do your homework. And if you don't

3.0
5.0
MUSICTHI
Sep 15, 2005

Music Theory I& II move very fast and if you don't come in for extra help with Doc Copenhaver, you WILL fall behind as I did. Part of the reason I burnt out on Mus Ed cause I couldn't keep up with theory or him. Great cellist though and personable guy outside of class.

5.0
4.0
MUS130
Dec 19, 2005

This is the coolest prof in the music dept. If you're a music major, make sure you take his class. If you didn't understand the subject before, you will. Don't be afraid to see him in his office. He's very friendly and receptive to students seeking musical growth. He's funny, but to the point; no BS! Theory is great once you know the basics.

5.0
4.0
THRYAP
Apr 20, 2007

Dr C is probably the best professor I have ever had. Don't be afraid of him, he loves when people come to see him for extra help! He doesn't take crap, though, so do the work and come to class always! If show that you are really trying, you will be rewarded!

5.0
5.0
MUS130
Dec 13, 2007

Great teacher! Really helpful and makes the class a lot more fun than it appears to be. Wouldn't want any other teacher for theory. Hard grader-wants you to know your sh!t but I just love this professor. Music major or minor-get COPENHAVER! Once you have him you'll know what I am talking about!

3.0
5.0
THEOR01
Mar 17, 2008

It took a while for me to understand him at 8AM, but if you get him at any later time, he makes music theory click. He knows his stuff really really well :)

5.0
5.0
MUS131
Apr 24, 2008

Dr. Copenhaver is a great teacher no doubt about that-he knows his stuff inside and out. Makes you actually learn the material and know how to use stuff learned in class in real life situations. If you go in and get help, he will change grades, give you brownie points, etc. I absolutely love this man and I recommend you take him! :)

3.0
5.0
MUS131
May 4, 2008

He's a cool guy and a brilliant musician, but I do not like how he taught this class. He jumps way ahead to things you don't need to know yet which makes it confusing and challenging, and then doesn't spend enough time on what you should be learning. He is very disorganized in his teaching. The homework was often impossible and not helpful.

3.0
2.0
MUSMUS
Jul 12, 2008

He acts like a kid in a grown ups body...just like most of the profs in the GVSU music department.

5.0
3.0
MUSTHEORY
Aug 7, 2008

Pretty much the most rewarding musical class i have ever taken. Came in knowing next to nothing left with practical music theory skills. The class is not easy but you will gain many skills

5.0
5.0
MUS330
Nov 5, 2008

Dr. C is my dad. He cooks me dinner but not during class.

5.0
3.0
MUS131
Mar 4, 2009

Dr. C is perhaps the best teacher i have EVER had! I am now in grad school and still remember how amazing he was! I had 4 classes with him, one I had failed with another prof. He was brilliant, funny, and made class interesting. Any prof who writes a song to teach you music theory deserves an A+ in my book! He will demand that you try and LEARN.

5.0
3.0
MUS130
Aug 10, 2009

Dr. C is extremely intelligent and extremely helpful! If you don't understand something, just go to his office hours. He is very funny and loves helping students.

5.0
4.0
MUS134
Jan 18, 2011

Dr. C is an extremely intelligent musician who is very good at teaching the complexities of music through easy to understand methods. He is also very willing to meet with students for extra help. He's definitely my favorite music professor at GV. He goes quickly, so pay attention in class.

1.0
5.0
MUS300
Jun 9, 2011

This professor constantly belittles his students and is not very helpful.

5.0
4.0
MUS300
Jul 2, 2011

Excellent professor. You can expect tough tests, but he's always willing to help you after hours. he's super funny, but he know his subject. highly recommendable

2.0
4.0
MUS300
Jun 21, 2012

Dr. C is one of the most useless teachers I've ever had. He's unorganized, scattered brained his tests are TERRIBLE. Just pay attention and read the book, and you'll do OKAY. Good guy- horrific teacher.

5.0
4.0
MUS131
Jun 23, 2013

The bad: Disorganized, sometimes difficult to understand, and plays favorites a little. The good: Wicked intelligent, ALWAYS willing to help, passionate about theory, and grades things very quickly. Bonus points for his fantastic outfits. But ask lots of questions, get help in office hours, and study with a friend, because tests are very difficult!

2.0
5.0
MUS131
Aug 7, 2013

Quirky personality and very interested in what he teaches. Discourages students with hurtful comments and is very unorganized- often misplaces students work (but blames the student).

4.0
5.0
MUS130
Dec 10, 2013

Great guy, but a VERY difficult teacher... be prepared to work. He tends to favor people who have a passion for the subject. Lots of opportunities to improve your grade though. Extremely difficult, but most interesting class I've ever had.

5.0
3.0
MUS130
Jan 9, 2014

Good professor. Just follow directions exactly.

5.0
1.0
MUS133
Jan 9, 2014

Really helpful.

3.0
5.0
MUS130
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 9, 2014

Copenhaver is a great teacher! He's extremely difficult though. I had to have a lot of 1 on 1 time with him so he could re explain the material to me. However, he totally respected me for doing this. So that's highly recommended. He also doesn't pick on you as much if you see him for help. See him before seeing a tutor so you know what he wants.

3.0
4.0
MU130
Grade: B+
Apr 16, 2016

Want to pass this class? Three words. GET. A. TUTOR. I came into theory with virtually no knowledge in the subject. However, the fact that I'd played piano for years saved me. Despite being a hard worker, I struggled VERY much in Copenhaver's class. He is a brilliant man and musician, but his teaching style is abstract and unorganized.

5.0
4.0
MUS130
Grade: A
Apr 27, 2016

Copenhaver is brilliant and hilarious. His lectures can be a little scattered, he tends to interrupt with jokes, but if you pay close attention you will be fine. He gives all the information you need. He's always willing to give help and is not a super harsh grader. He also has fantastic outfit choices. Wish I had more classes with him.

5.0
4.0
MUS130
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2016
Would take again

Copenhaver is the glue in the music department at GVSU. He's a great professor and really loves his job. His lectures are as fun as they are participatory, but that doesn't mean it's easy. The material is presented in a simple manner, but he doesn't hold back any punches. Daily homework. Tough tests. Attendance isn't mandatory, but HIGHLY recommend

Tough Grader
Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
MUS130
Grade: A
Feb 5, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Copenhaver is an incredibly intelligent professor who will do anything to help his students pass, but they have to be willing to put the work in. He can be VERY confusing at times in class, so I encourage going into his office hours AS SOON as you get confused otherwise it's very easy to fall behind. He just needs to know that you care.

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

71% confidence
Based on 7 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
B+ (2)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 8 reported grades
A: 3
B+: 2
A+: 1
Not sure yet: 1
Common Tags
Respected (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
Tough Grader (1)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.07 avg change
Dec
Jan
Oct
Apr
Dec
Feb
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MUS129

5.0

(1)

MUSICTHEO

5.0

(1)

MUSMANY

5.0

(1)

THEORYSIG

5.0

(1)

THEORYSS

5.0

(1)
+32 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SIGHTSING

5.0

MUS335

5.0

MUSIC

5.0

MUS130131

5.0

MUSALOT

5.0

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